Teesside-2
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Fair point, although it’s been noted in certain media quarters that recipients in recent years have by amazing coincidence overwhelmingly been those in Conservative areas, particularly where they have slim majority’s or haven’t been blue very long. Not necessarily places with the best bids or in greatest need.
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Fair point, although it’s been noted in certain media quarters that recipients in recent years have by amazing coincidence overwhelmingly been those in Conservative areas, particularly where they have slim majority’s or haven’t been blue very long. Not necessarily places with the best bids or in greatest need.
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London
Once we get to a point to demonstrate there is enough demand to put a flight on, we have numerous airlines who would be happy to put a flight on, but we have to get to that balance right. What we can’t do is subsidise it with huge amounts of public money.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchenalso stressed that the numbers had to stack up. He said: “We don’t think it’s wise to subsidise routes that as soon as the subsidy is pulled then those routes fail.”
He added that Newcastle Airport and Leeds Bradford Airport had both recently cut flights to Heathrow. In December, it was announced that flights to Belfast and Dublin would be axed from Teesside Airport from March this year.
Latest NCL stats for LHR - 2022-11 = 40.4k, 2019-11 = 39k
Last edited by SWBKCB; 17th Jan 2023 at 06:57.
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Two Truths
I've sat back over the last couple of weeks and watched the posts and arguments flow.
Rather late to the party, and probably of no interest to anyone
, here are my thoughts.
Most arguments seem to based on two ends of the spectrum. Positive airport messaging v poor numbers/money better spent elsewhere. As ever in this world, the answers for me aren't in the black and white but in the grey and I actually think both narratives are correct.
Firstly, compared to where we were, the airport is doing fantastic. Passengers numbers are the highest in a decade, we have the most routes in a long time and the airport experience is a pleasure. Diversification of income is on the rise and prospects really look quite exciting. As a frequent flier and an aviation nerd - this is all fantastic news.
Any investment though is a risk and that risk was heightened by a certain virus in 2020. It was always going to take a few years to get to profit; even more so after Covid. But the fact is numbers are low. But they were always going to be. Where to invest money is always a choice. There are many needy projects that need investment in Teesside and yes, I am sure there are projects out there where the money invested could deliver a better return for a wider population. But the reality is the money has been invested here and now it has, it has to be given time to succeed. We can't un-invest it. And there is no benefit to keep arguing on the original decision.
Houchen made a brave call. He is doing well and I am pleased he made the decisions he did. I get repeatedly irritated by his one-sided political messaging and the endless positive photoshoots, but I guess that's the sleazy world of politics. He would do himself more favour (IMO) if he stood up and commented objectively on negative stories and stepped back from the limelight now and again. Jobs for mates remains a big concern and could be something that undoes him - he'd do well to keep his nose clean and out of Private Eye.
Anyway, based on what we know today, 2023 will be an ever bigger year. Even though we will lose some regional routes. As Harold says, plenty more news coming which will bolster the numbers.
So, I guess I agree with most of the comments on here. But arguing about the decisions of the past won't change anything and folks, we have a great little regional airport which is going places - I for one welcome that!!
Rather late to the party, and probably of no interest to anyone
, here are my thoughts.Most arguments seem to based on two ends of the spectrum. Positive airport messaging v poor numbers/money better spent elsewhere. As ever in this world, the answers for me aren't in the black and white but in the grey and I actually think both narratives are correct.
Firstly, compared to where we were, the airport is doing fantastic. Passengers numbers are the highest in a decade, we have the most routes in a long time and the airport experience is a pleasure. Diversification of income is on the rise and prospects really look quite exciting. As a frequent flier and an aviation nerd - this is all fantastic news.
Any investment though is a risk and that risk was heightened by a certain virus in 2020. It was always going to take a few years to get to profit; even more so after Covid. But the fact is numbers are low. But they were always going to be. Where to invest money is always a choice. There are many needy projects that need investment in Teesside and yes, I am sure there are projects out there where the money invested could deliver a better return for a wider population. But the reality is the money has been invested here and now it has, it has to be given time to succeed. We can't un-invest it. And there is no benefit to keep arguing on the original decision.
Houchen made a brave call. He is doing well and I am pleased he made the decisions he did. I get repeatedly irritated by his one-sided political messaging and the endless positive photoshoots, but I guess that's the sleazy world of politics. He would do himself more favour (IMO) if he stood up and commented objectively on negative stories and stepped back from the limelight now and again. Jobs for mates remains a big concern and could be something that undoes him - he'd do well to keep his nose clean and out of Private Eye.
Anyway, based on what we know today, 2023 will be an ever bigger year. Even though we will lose some regional routes. As Harold says, plenty more news coming which will bolster the numbers.
So, I guess I agree with most of the comments on here. But arguing about the decisions of the past won't change anything and folks, we have a great little regional airport which is going places - I for one welcome that!!
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Re the Gazette news, the public comments are predicting more news before the next election.
https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/t...rtant-25992326
https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/t...rtant-25992326
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Airport granted licence to handle fresh produce
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is a terrific gift for our airport with Valentine’s Day just around the corner. As one of the few Border Control Points in the country, we are now in a unique place to become a freight centre for businesses across the North.
I get repeatedly irritated by his one-sided political messaging and the endless positive photoshoots, but I guess that's the sleazy world of politics. He would do himself more favour (IMO) if he stood up and commented objectively on negative stories and stepped back from the limelight now and again.
https://www.gov.uk/government/public...osts-in-the-uk
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Full list of Plant BCP's on the link below - to save you looking, other airports in the north of England are Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle. Others in the rest of England include LHR, LGW, STN, LTN, EMA, BHX, SOU, BOH.
https://www.gov.uk/government/public...osts-in-the-uk
https://www.gov.uk/government/public...osts-in-the-uk
So there isn't necessarily duplication.
Last edited by onion; 17th Jan 2023 at 15:35.
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Airshow refund fiasco in the news.
The Public comments on this article speak volumes about the airshow organisation. New houses bought! I think Private Eye will be doing another piece.
https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/t...efund-26105589
https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/t...efund-26105589
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I didn't wish to start a "Beafer bashing" but there is something infuriating about people posting bad news because it fits their agenda and/or they get pleasure from it as opposed to it being topical
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Loganair have applied to take over the vacated! FLY BE2 Slots into Heathrow.They would like to use them for regional connectivity..wonder if the mayor has any money left in his pot?
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